Preliminary assessment of a prototype advanced mobility device in the work environment of veterans with spinal cord injury

Authors: Coviello, D. M., Zanis, D. A., & Lynch, K.
Year Published 2004
Publication NeuroRehabilitation
Volume 19
Number 2
Pages 161-170
Publisher IOS Press
Background

Many environments are not accessible to individuals that use wheelchairs for ambulation.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to collect data on the potential for the Independence 3000 IBOT Transporter to improve employment satisfaction of veterans who use wheelchairs to work.

Setting

Various offices made up the setting.

Sample

Subjects were recruited from the Washington Office of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Four male veterans with traumatic spinal cord injury were selected to participate in the study.

Data Collection

Observations were made by trained clinicians and participants responded to a survey.

Control

There was no control or comparison condition.

Findings

Half of the users felt that the IBOT would help them at work and all users felt it should be made available to veterans who use wheelchairs.

Conclusions

A larger study should be conducted to determine if the IBOT affects work performance and the ability to return to work.

URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15201475
Disabilities Orthopedic impairments
Populations Male | Veterans
Outcomes Other
NIDILRR Funded Yes
Research Design Qualitative
Peer Reviewed Yes